My Quiet Lens: A Different Kind of Documentary Filmmaking
There’s no shouting “Lights! Camera! Action!” in my world. No pre-set scripts. No rigid storyboards dictating the day’s filming. Just the raw, unscripted reality of conservation work unfolding before me. My role? To observe, listen, and document — without getting in the way.
I approach conservation filmmaking as a quiet presence, aiming to be a fly on the wall rather than a director barking instructions. For me, the magic of storytelling happens in the spaces where people feel safe enough to show up as themselves. That’s why I take a minimalist approach, keeping my footprint as small as possible. It’s not about forcing a narrative but allowing one to emerge naturally.
Gregg McLachlan
A key part of my process is knowing when to turn the camera off. There’s a delicate balance between capturing powerful moments and overstaying my welcome. Intuition plays a huge role. I try to sense when to step back versus when to push gently to ensure a scene reaches its full potential. The goal is never to impose but to witness, ensuring that authenticity remains at the heart of every frame.
As a filmmaker, my mind works in “movie-mode.” I’m always imagining potential story arcs as I capture moments and voices. Storylines form and shift in real time as conservation work unfolds. I see the through-lines, the quiet yet powerful moments that will later serve as the backbone of the film. Post-production is where it all comes together. Scenes and soundbites morph and take shape as I distill the footage, selecting only the strongest elements that fit the flow of the story. Every cut, every bit of sound design is intentional, every choice made to ensure the final film captures the essence of the work being done.
This approach isn’t for everyone, but for me, it’s the most honest way to document conservation efforts. The work itself is already compelling. I don’t need to stage it, embellish it, or insert myself into the frame. I just need to be there, watching and listening, ready to capture the moment when it happens.
Because in the end, the best stories aren’t forced. They’re simply given the space to unfold.
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